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Advanced Structural Analysis for Earthquake-Resistant Design of Buildings

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2025 | Viewed by 14125

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Angelo Aloisio

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Guest Editor

1. Faculty of Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
2. Department of Civil, Construction-Architectural and Environmental Engineering (DICEAA), University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
Interests: structural analysis; earthquake engineering; structural dynamics; finite element analysis

Dr. Dag Pasquale Pasca

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Guest Editor

Norwegian Institute of Wood and Technology, Oslo, Norway
Interests: structural analysis; earthquake engineering; structural dynamics; finite element analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The use of computers has led to a substantial change in the design and seismic analysis of structures. Strongly approximate procedures, foreseen by the previous regulations, are considered superseded by the most recent regulations. In particular, nonlinear dynamic analyses are increasingly used in the seismic design of complex structures. Buildings experience significant inelastic deformations under large earthquakes; the analysis method is able to account for strength and stiffness deterioration, and may represent the structural behavior more realistically.

However, nonlinear analyses require significantly more effort and expertise in term of the material behavior. What is the trade-off between accuracy and computational cost in seismic response simulations? Are nonlinear dynamic analyzes always necessary? What is the degree of the conventionality of approximate methods, such as linear and nonlinear statics and linear dynamics? Recently, many scholars have tackled the analysis of the seismic response of structures from both a theoretical (development of new methods) and applicational point of view. This Special Issue intends to collect recent research contributions on the seismic response of structures, from method investigations to noteworthy case studies. The novel methods will include structural analysis methods and numerical modelling approaches for the seismic design and assessment of buildings based on deterministic and probabilistic approaches. Original contributions containing fundamental and applied research, case studies, or state of the art are encouraged to be submitted to this Special Issue.

Dr. Angelo Aloisio
Dr. Dag Pasquale Pasca
Guest Editors

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Keywords

seismic design
structural dynamics
structural analysis
seismic retrofitting

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

29 pages, 14321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Damage Assessment of Existing Planar Steel X- or V-Braced Frames Using the Hybrid “M and P” Technique

by Triantafyllos Makarios, Athanasios Bakalis and Evangelos Efthymiou

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8638; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198638 - 25 Sep 2024

Viewed by 479

Abstract

The effectiveness of a hybrid technique for identifying seismic damage in planar, multistory, steel X- or V-braced frames is demonstrated here through an example of a six-story frame. This proposed technique, referred to as “M and P”, combines the instrumental monitoring (M) with pushover analysis (P). According to the methodology, the diagram of stepping eigenfrequencies of the frame in the inelastic region is initially plotted against seismic roof displacement. The fundamental natural frequency, detected through monitoring, is then utilized in this key diagram to reveal the inelastic roof displacement that corresponds to the damage state of the steel-braced frame. This displacement is subsequently used as the target in the pushover analysis, facilitating the identification of seismic damage within the existing steel-braced frame. Finally, the damage image is correlated with the damage stiffness matrix of the frame at the same inelastic roof displacement. The investigation results indicate that combining instrumental monitoring with pushover analysis using the eigenfrequencies curves established by the “M and P” technique allows for accurate identification of the seismic damage potential in existing damaged steel-braced frames. The “M and P” technique is a straightforward method for immediate damage assessment in steel structures after damage occurs, regardless of the cause. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Analysis for Earthquake-Resistant Design of Buildings)

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16 pages, 9117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methodology and Monitoring of the Strengthening and Upgrading of a Four-Story Building with an Open Ground Floor in a Seismic Region

by Iakov Iskhakov, Sharon Yehuda and Yuri Ribakov

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(17), 7581; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177581 - 27 Aug 2024

Viewed by 706

Abstract

Many buildings around the world fail to meet current earthquake resistance requirements and have significant potential to be a risk to human life and property. Therefore, a seismic upgrade of such buildings is quite necessary. Over the past decades, hundreds of buildings have been strengthened and upgraded to improve their seismic resistance, and thousands more are planned for years to come. In Israel, this was followed by National Outline Plan No. 38, which provides a basis for retrofitting and adding new areas to existing buildings. It should be noted that adding new floors to existing buildings increases seismic forces. Moreover, structure material properties change over a building’s lifetime, which should be also considered for strengthening. The proposed research investigates and validates the existing practice for strengthening and upgrading buildings in seismic regions and suggests ways of improving their efficiency. Experiments and numerical analysis were performed on a real existing residential building that requires strengthening and upgrading. A corresponding methodology was proposed for monitoring the strengthening and upgrading processes, including selecting measurement devices and their real use. Using sensors with the highest sensitivity enabled measurements of micro-vibrations and investigations of the recorded signal to obtain the building’s natural vibration frequencies. Experimental measurements allowed us to distinguish different frequencies of the building at all strengthening and upgrading stages. The measured dynamic parameters of the building allowed a more accurate calculation of seismic forces for all of these stages and consequently made the design more effective. Therefore, we recommended monitoring buildings in each stage of seismic strengthening and upgrading. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Analysis for Earthquake-Resistant Design of Buildings)

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28 pages, 17200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geotechnical and Structural Damages Caused by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes in Gölbaşı (Adıyaman)

by Fahriye Akar, Ercan Işık, Fatih Avcil, Aydın Büyüksaraç, Enes Arkan and Rabia İzol

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 2165; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14052165 - 5 Mar 2024

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1615

Abstract

On 6 February 2023, two independent earthquake pairs on the East Anatolian Fault Zone, with epicenters in Pazarcık (Mw = 7.7) and Elbistan (Mw = 7.6) districts of Kahramanmaraş province, caused great destruction. Adıyaman and Gölbaşı districts of this city are among the settlements most affected by the earthquake. Especially in the district where geotechnical damages are most observed, the destructive effects of earthquakes have been clearly observed in buildings with different structural systems. In this study, information is given about the earthquakes that hit the region and the fault zone where the earthquakes occur. Geotechnical and structural damages occurring in the villages and center of the district were evaluated within the scope of earthquakes and structural engineering. It can be stated that damages observed in the district center are generally caused by soil–structure interaction problems. The fact that masonry structures, which are widely used in rural areas, do not benefit from any engineering services has an impact on the level of damage. The main reason for the damages occurring in the reinforced concrete structures in the district is the reinforced concrete system that is not designed properly or not built in accordance with the design. This case study demonstrated the importance of earthquake–soil–structure interactions in line with earthquake-resistant building design principles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Analysis for Earthquake-Resistant Design of Buildings)

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30 pages, 11318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Performance Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Buildings Retrofitted with a New Concrete Filled Tube Composite Strengthening System

by Ho-Jin Baek, Ju-Seong Jung, Kang-Seok Lee and Bok-Gi Lee

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(24), 13231; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132413231 - 13 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1378

Abstract

This study proposes a concrete-filled tube composite strengthening system (CCSS), which is a new concept that can improve and supplement the vulnerability of existing CFT seismic strengthening methods. The CCSS seismic reinforcement method is easy to construct and integrates with the existing frame and reinforcement. It is one of the seismic strengthening methods that allows the simple calculation of the required amount of seismic reinforcement and can efficiently increase the strength when applied to existing reinforced concrete (R/C) buildings with non-seismic details dominated by shear failure. To examine the seismic safety of the proposed CCSS, two framework specimens were prepared based on an existing R/C building with non-seismic details. A pseudo-dynamic test was conducted on the unreinforced framework specimen and the framework specimen reinforced with CCSS to verify the seismic strengthening effect of applying CCSS to the existing R/C framework, i.e., in terms of the load–displacement characteristics and seismic response control capability. Based on the pseudo-dynamic test results, restoration of the force characteristics was proposed for the nonlinear dynamic analysis of the building reinforced with CCSS. Nonlinear dynamic analysis was conducted based on the proposed restoration of the force characteristics, and the results were compared with the pseudo-dynamic test results. Finally, for the commercialization of CCSS, nonlinear dynamic analysis was conducted on the existing whole R/C building with non-seismic details that was reinforced with CCSS. The seismic strengthening effect was then verified by examining the seismic response load, displacement characteristics, and the degree of seismic damage to the members based on the ductility ratio before and after seismic strengthening. The study results show that under a design basis earthquake with a magnitude of 200 cm/s², the unreinforced R/C building exhibits shear failure, and light seismic damage is expected on the CCSS-reinforced building. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Analysis for Earthquake-Resistant Design of Buildings)

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17 pages, 5802 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nonlinear Static Analysis for Seismic Evaluation of Existing RC Hospital Building

by Kevin Karanja Kuria and Orsolya Katalin Kegyes-Brassai

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(21), 11626; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132111626 - 24 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2271

Abstract

Nonlinear Static Analysis otherwise known as pushover analysis will be used in this study to evaluate the seismic performance of an existing reinforced concrete (RC) hospital structure. This method aids in determining the structure’s ability to withstand lateral loads and calculating its local and global deformation requirements. The study begins with a thorough analysis of the geometry, materials, and structural elements of the structure, followed by a review of pertinent building regulations and codes. A finite element model in three dimensions of the hospital building is created, encapsulating the main features of the structure’s behavior under seismic loading. The lateral force method of analysis and static pushover analysis is then carried out and compared, and the findings are used to pinpoint crucial weak places, potential failure mechanisms, and regions needing additional research or fortification. Recommendations are given to improve the seismic performance of the current RC hospital building based on the pushover analysis’s findings. These adjustments can be made to the structural system via retrofitting techniques or to non-structural elements. For engineers, architects, and legislators concerned with the seismic assessment and renovation of hospital buildings and other crucial infrastructure, the findings from this study are valuable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Analysis for Earthquake-Resistant Design of Buildings)

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32 pages, 30270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analytic Investigation of Hooked Stirrups on Seismic Behavior of Reinforced Concrete 3D Frame Buildings

by Ibrahim Baran Karasin

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11590; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011590 - 23 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2064

Abstract

Ensuring the safety and stability of buildings during earthquakes is of utmost importance. This can be achieved by assessing the seismic performance of reinforced concrete structures with consideration of design details. This study focused on the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete buildings by comparing the effects of two different types of stirrups, namely those with a 135° angled end-hook shape and straight hooks, with variation of concrete strength. Pushover analysis of a sample building was performed to determine the effect of hook shape on stirrup reinforcement with a constant volumetric ratio for various concrete strength classes. The results of the analysis indicated significant differences in concrete strength and seismic behavior between the two stirrup configurations. The hooked stirrups demonstrated superior energy dissipation capability and ductility, which led to better seismic performance compared to unhooked stirrups across varying levels of concrete strength. To extend the investigation, the study compared the Mander et al., Kent–Scott–Park, and Kappos–Konstantinidis concrete models with different concrete classes (C50-C25-C20-C16-C10). The findings emphasized the importance of stirrup configuration in the design of earthquake-resistant structures. The study concluded that RC structural performance with the 135-degree hooked concrete members exhibited much better behavior of the 90-degree members for the various concrete strength. In this way, it has been revealed the arrangement and detailing of reinforcement in the construction beams and columns improves the governing effect on seismic structural performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Analysis for Earthquake-Resistant Design of Buildings)

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37 pages, 5979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilizing Artificial Neural Networks and Random Forests to Forecast the Dynamic Amplification Factors of Non-Structural Components

by P. Vyshnavi, S. P. Challagulla, Musa Adamu, Felipe Vicencio, Mohammed Jameel, Yasser E. Ibrahim and Omar Shabbir Ahmed

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11329; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011329 - 16 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1581

Abstract

Soft stories in buildings are well-known to present structural vulnerabilities during seismic events, and the failure of non-structural components (NSCs) has been evident in past earthquakes, along with structural damage. This study seeks to investigate how the presence of a soft story in a building affects the criteria for elastic floor acceleration. The soft story is assumed to be at the top, middle, and bottom levels of the structure. To comprehend the behavior of NSCs, the researchers analyze the floor response spectra (FRSs) and component acceleration amplification. Remarkably, the results reveal that the position of the soft story strongly influences the floor response spectra, with structures featuring a middle soft story showing the most significant amplification of component acceleration. In constructing the FRSs, the component dynamic amplification factors (CDAFs) play a vital role as they accurately illustrate how NSCs amplify floor vibrations. Consequently, the study delves into exploring machine learning (ML) models like artificial neural networks (ANNs) and random forest (RF) to map the intricate relationship between CDAFs, the dynamic characteristics of the building, and the behavior of NSCs. Upon comparison of the two models, the random forest model emerges as the superior method in predicting the CDAFs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Analysis for Earthquake-Resistant Design of Buildings)

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26 pages, 9381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Material Quality on Buildings Moderately and Heavily Damaged by the Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes

by Başak Zengin and Fatih Aydin

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10668; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910668 - 25 Sep 2023

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 1678

Abstract

On 6 February 2023, two major earthquakes occurred in the Turkish province of Kahramanmaraş. The first earthquake with a magnitude of Mw 7.7 occurred in the center of Kahramanmaras, while the second earthquake with a magnitude of Mw 7.5 occurred in the region of Elbistan. These earthquakes caused heavy damage and loss of life in the affected regions. In particular, the Elbistan region experienced both earthquakes with great severity. Following the earthquakes, damage analyses were carried out on the earthquake-affected structures in this region. In the region, 1045 buildings were destroyed, 2640 buildings were heavily damaged, and 463 buildings were moderately damaged by the earthquakes. In this study, the relation between the material quality and the damage status of the affected buildings in the Elbistan region was investigated. A total of 20 buildings with heavy and moderate damage, built both before and after the year 2000, were selected for analysis. Samples were taken from these buildings, and the compressive strength values of the samples were obtained. Further, in situ experiments featuring the Schmidt and UPV tests were performed in the buildings. The results found that the buildings lacked adequate concrete strength. In particular, the post-2000 structures recorded concrete strength values below the established standard. This study proves the necessity of following established regulations in the design and construction of buildings in earthquake-prone zones, especially with respect to the construction materials used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Analysis for Earthquake-Resistant Design of Buildings)

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24 pages, 5309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Response Analysis of Mega-Sub Isolated Structures under Multiaxial Earthquakes

by Xueyuan Yan, Jian Liu, Weiyu Lin, Guoguan Lan and Huimin Mao

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(15), 8692; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13158692 - 27 Jul 2023

Viewed by 845

Abstract

With the use of seismic isolation techniques on mega-sub structures, several scholars have carried out research on them. However, little research has been carried out on mega-sub isolated structures under multiaxial earthquakes. There have been instances in actual engineering where the peak vertical acceleration exceeded the horizontal direction, and the vertical seismic component will also amplify the dynamic response of the structure in the horizontal direction, so in practice, it is necessary to consider the influence of the vertical component of the earthquake on the structure. To investigate the dynamic response of mega-sub isolated structures under unidirectional earthquake and coupled earthquake, this paper used numerical methods to analyze the influences of the horizontal and vertical damping ratio of the isolation layer, the horizontal and vertical frequency ratio of the main substructure, and the mass ratio of the main substructure on the acceleration and displacement of the main and substructure. The optimum parameter values are finally achieved by analytical calculations, which provide a basis for further optimization and practical design of the structure. Finally, the collision between the main and sub-structures in the mega-sub isolated structure was simulated, and the influences of the peak ground motion, main and subframe spacing, vertical seismic component, and sub-structure height on the collision force and acceleration were analyzed. It was shown that the conflict of the main and sub-structures generates instantaneous, large collision forces, which also instantaneously amplify the acceleration and base shear force response, which should be avoided in practical engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Analysis for Earthquake-Resistant Design of Buildings)

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